Social Networking: Like, OMG, u cn use it 4 bsns 2!
Where You Need to Be • • • • •
LinkedIn, Plaxo Facebook, MySpace YouTube, Google Video Twitter BuzzTown (local venue!!!!!) – Steve Linn, Directory Plus
Why You Need To Be There • Research avenue for prospective – Employers – Business Partners – Customers
• Primary communication venue for 25 and under crowd • Your competitors are or will be soon!
The Culture • What It’s Not: – Bulk lead generation – Venue for aggressive sales campaign
The Culture • What It Is: – A means of networking • Extension of face-to-face networking
– – – –
An initial business impression A way to locate business partners Job Search tool An avenue of contribution
If you build it… they won’t necessarily come! • Set goals first! • Requires specific plan, like any other campaign – – – –
What are your resources? How will you entice on each venue What are you giving? Why would a visitor want to pass it on? (viral marketing)
• Requires Time & Effort!!!
Attracting Customers to You CONTENT, BABY! • • • • • •
Quality Web Site and/or Blog Videos, Podcasts Webinars RSS Feeds, Tweets Polls Articles
Facebook • • • •
Pages Groups Applications Advertising
• Polls • Lexicon – Research Buzz
• Integrate with your website/blog – Connect – Share
Twitter • Twitter for Business
LinkedIn • • • •
A place specifically for BUSINESS Degrees of Separation Your profile – complete it, keep it current! Join groups and participate – Be an expert
• Answer questions • Company research can lead to leads • Use your profile link – – – –
Email signature Web site Blog Business card
• Customize your invitations
Monitor Buzz • What are people talking about? • What are the buzz words? • What are they saying about YOU?!
• • • • •
search.twitter.com Google Alerts Lexicon Compete.com Clickz.com
Do • Be and have fun • Add Value • List areas of expertise in your profile – Avoid hype
• Use Keywords that clients, customers, partners would use when searching for a business like yours. – SEO
• Join Groups/Forums – Be professional – Proof-read – Say something fresh
• Seek experts and recognized authorities • Promote your site/blog • Be selective with associates/friends • Experiment with a variety of sites, focus where the results are.
Don’t • Post Ads in site comments – Remember, you’re building relationships and building credibility
• Post detailed personal stats – Social Security Number – Full Birthdate – Home Address
• Post something you’ll regret – You’ll regret it every time Google finds it
• Let conflicts escalate